Jack Russell Ferguson, 78, of Blackshear, passed away Friday afternoon, February 28, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross..
He was born in West Newton, PA on August 26, 1946, and lived in Pennsylvania and Colonie, NY
where he graduated from Colonie Central High School in 1964. He was a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Korea during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the service, he worked and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology from Georgie State University. He had a lengthy career as a probation officer at the Cobb County Department of Corrections and served as the President of the Georgia Probation Association. After retirement, he moved to Blackshear with his late wife, Donna Dixon.
Together, they were members of the Blackshear First Baptist Church. He was a part of the Misfits Sunday School class and served on the security team. He was grateful to become part of the Dixon family and Blackshear community. He spent several years volunteering at the Sycamore Tree and he loved Pierce County football as much as his Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed cooking, traveling, “Doo Wop" music, and spending time at the beach.
He was the son of the late David Russell Ferguson and Martha Deffenbaugh Russell.
He was also preceded in death by his wife, Donna Smiley Dixon and a son, Justin Ferguson.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Brodie Ferguson and Marina Pupo, Marietta;
his step-children, David (Sue Ann) Dixon, Offerman, Cynthia (Olin) Lovett, Statesboro and
Angel (Kevin) Knowlton, Blackshear; his sister, Sue (William) Kirber, Lakeville, CT;
numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two nieces, Mag Kirber,
Florence, MA and Jayne Kirber (Geoff) Hill, Malta, NY; dear friend and traveling companion, Dena McCluney and numerous relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at Blackshear First Baptist Church.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, from Blackshear First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Justin Grambrell and the Rev. Dr. Bill Young officiating.
Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack’s memory to The Sycamore Tree (204 Central Ave W, Blackshear, GA 31516) or Hospice Satilla Hospice House (811 Beacon St, Waycross, GA 31501).
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
